2008 Woodie Awards
Students with common names reveal statistical trends
Jade Enoch
Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: In the Spotlight
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As for names that are not so commonplace, SBU has its fair share. Interesting female names featured in the SBU facebook network include monikers such as Dezi, Ashton, Ruby and Chris Ann. For males, names such as Les, Devin and Blaise are among the uncommon.
The stories of where common names come from can also be interesting.
According to www.behindthename.com, a site that gives the history and etymology of names from all over the world, the name Michael originates from the Hebrew Mikha'el, which means "who is like God."
Jessica holds its origin in the Shakespearean tradition. Shakespeare was the first to use the name in his play 'The Merchant of Venice," where it belongs to the daughter of the character Shylock.
Christopher, the second most popular name, also originates from Biblical tradition. The name comes from the Greek language meaning "bearing Christ."
The number two female name, Ashley, stems from the Old English surname, which originally came from a place name meaning "ash tree clearing."
Matthew comes from the Greek phrase meaning "gift of Yahweh." Jennifer, a form of Welsh, also holds roots in literary tradition. The name was first featured in 20th century literature in George Bernard Shaw's play, "The Doctor."
Joshua, another Biblical name, is Hebrew for "Yahweh is salvation. Amanda comes from the Latin word for "lovable," which was also coined by a playwright, Colley Cibbler in the 17th century.
The last two names in the top five category also have Biblical significance. Daniel means "God is my judge" and Sarah, which means "lady" or "princess" in Hebrew.
However common a name may be, all names have a history that is both cultural and interesting. So if you despair that your name is common, take heart, your name might actually mean "ash tree clearing," or something to that interesting effect.
The stories of where common names come from can also be interesting.
According to www.behindthename.com, a site that gives the history and etymology of names from all over the world, the name Michael originates from the Hebrew Mikha'el, which means "who is like God."
Jessica holds its origin in the Shakespearean tradition. Shakespeare was the first to use the name in his play 'The Merchant of Venice," where it belongs to the daughter of the character Shylock.
Christopher, the second most popular name, also originates from Biblical tradition. The name comes from the Greek language meaning "bearing Christ."
The number two female name, Ashley, stems from the Old English surname, which originally came from a place name meaning "ash tree clearing."
Matthew comes from the Greek phrase meaning "gift of Yahweh." Jennifer, a form of Welsh, also holds roots in literary tradition. The name was first featured in 20th century literature in George Bernard Shaw's play, "The Doctor."
Joshua, another Biblical name, is Hebrew for "Yahweh is salvation. Amanda comes from the Latin word for "lovable," which was also coined by a playwright, Colley Cibbler in the 17th century.
The last two names in the top five category also have Biblical significance. Daniel means "God is my judge" and Sarah, which means "lady" or "princess" in Hebrew.
However common a name may be, all names have a history that is both cultural and interesting. So if you despair that your name is common, take heart, your name might actually mean "ash tree clearing," or something to that interesting effect.
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